Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to San Antonio
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,356-$4,137, LTL from $1,059-$1,727. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,561 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,356-$4,137
LTL Rate Est.
$1,059-$1,727
Los Angeles to San Antonio Freight Corridor
The Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
The Los Angeles-to-San Antonio corridor spans 1,561 miles via I-10. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to military & defense and healthcare demand in San Antonio. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Los Angeles
Los Angeles's economy is driven by entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized imports (re-distribution)
entertainment equipment
apparel & fashion
aerospace components
processed foods
electronics
What San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and San Antonio, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$3,356-$4,137 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$4,449-$5,698 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$1,059-$1,727 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to San Antonio lane (1,561 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,356-$4,137 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,059-$1,727 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,073-$7,025 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,107-$2,888 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to San Antonio
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,561 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Los Angeles to San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX currently range from $3,356-$4,137 for a standard dry van load over the 1,561-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,059-$1,727 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to San Antonio is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,561 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Los Angeles to San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Los Angeles commonly ships containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. San Antonio commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, military supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Antonio to Los Angeles?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
The Los Angeles-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Los Angeles's top outbound commodities include containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion, aerospace components, processed foods, electronics. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Los Angeles to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts